China and the U.K. continue to engage with each other as they seek closer ties. Beijing believes that the British royal family can play a pivotal role in bringing the people of both the countries closer.

President Xi Jinping of China met the visiting Duke of York Prince Andrew in Beijing on Tuesday. Xi said that he wishes to see a "more solid foundation of public support for China-UK relations," according to Xinhua. He also highlighted the British royal family's role in deepening the friendship between both the countries.  

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Xi recalled his first state visit to the U.K. last year where he met Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family. The Chinese leader's told Prince Andrew that he was impressed with the interactions he had with the Queen and the other royal family members.

President Xi's visit to the U.K. in October 2015 was hailed as the beginning of a "golden era" of relations. The U.K. wants to become the Western country that is most open to China, and wants to become the second largest trading partner of the Asian nation within 10 years.   

According to Xinhua, Prince Andrew is willing to work with the Chinese officials to improve people-people contact and "make the 'golden era' truly shine." China, on the other hand, is willing to join efforts to increase the friendly exchanges at all levels. President Xi said that the country is seeking to enrich cooperation as "this year marks the first year of the 'golden era' of China-UK relations."

Tagschina, U.K. Prince Andrew, China-U.K.